Oregon smile program

SMILE, a nationally recognized pre-college program primarily for minority students, uses clubs and fun, hands-on activities to encourage elementary, middle and high school students to develop their interests in math and science, and pursue careers in these fields. Since being founded in four Oregon schools with 80 students in , it has grown to an enrollment of about students in 38 schools with the involvement of 74 teachers across the state.

But at SMILE, we know that this process doesn't start with an application made by a high school senior. If you are serious about success in college, it should be an attitude, mindset and skills that begin forming at very young ages. Also, SMILE was originally formed to nurture an interest in students to pursue careers in math, science, engineering and teaching, she said.

That focus will be retained in Central Oregon, but the program will also serve a strong role in getting young students to consider any type of college education. SMILE clubs can be formed in grades , and from the beginning emphasize a participatory, active and fun approach to learning math and science.

Elementary students might wade into a pond and use microscopes to examine small animals they find there. Our Mission: To ensure that every family affected by a cleft or craniofacial condition living in Oregon has access to the coordinated care they deserve by providing support, awareness, and education.

Provide support to each family regardless of their ability to pay. In order to effectively meet our mission, we recognize that each family has unique needs and circumstances. Each family deserves to be treated with a standard of care in a coordinated fashion. Why Smile Oregon: Smile Oregon focuses on the needs of our own neighborhoods and communities by providing assistance and support for the rehabilitation of children born with cleft and craniofacial conditions.

Smile Oregon is committed to comprehensive care encompassing various medical, dental, and speech services. Other organizations focused on cleft care use domestic funds overseas to provide services usually limited to the primary surgical correction. Again, Smile Oregon will focus on the complete treatment of the individual, from infancy to adulthood, to ensure they have the tools to become an active, productive member of society.

Erica Soto, CFRE Erica is passionate about helping cause-related organizations maximize their positive impact in our world. This work has fueled her passion to ensure that every child has the tools and resources they need to reach their fullest potential. Smile Oregon does this every day and Erica is proud to be part of the impact. She resides in Portland, Oregon with her husband and their one and only daughter, Lisette.

They are water enthusiasts and you can catch them swimming, surfing, and paddling around the beautiful waters of the Pacific Northwest as often as possible! Judah Garfinkle — President Judah earned his D. Garfinkle is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and a reviewer for numerous scientific journals. He maintains an orthodontic private practice in the Hillsdale neighborhood in Portland, Oregon. Garfinkle became involved with Smile Oregon at its inception.

As a member of the Board, he continues to provide medical input and direction for Smile Oregon. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and 3 children. Haleah Blank — Vice President Haleah joined the board in after being inspired by her father, Bob Blank, Smile Oregon co-founder, whose goal was simple: to help kids.

He was caught by the power of a smile and wished for every child to love theirs and to be confident in their ability to speak. Haleah shares this passion to connect and support families on this journey. Her background in art as a business owner led fortuitously to a career in marketing and communications. She holds a B. She enjoys live music and good coffee but loves most to spend time with family whether at home or adventuring about.

His areas of practice include estate planning, probate, trust administration, guardianships and conservatorships, real estate transactions, and general civil litigation.

He received his B. Shaun Donaghue — Treasurer Shaun is a manager and consultant with Fluence, PC an accounting firm that specializes in working with dentists. SMILE provide s a broad range of pathway programs to help underrepresented students succeed in STEM degrees and careers while provid ing professional development that support teachers. SMILE Clubs work with underserved students, students who are from low income households, and those who would be the first in their families to go to college to support and build STEM related skills.

SMILE provides professional development to a community of teachers and engages K grade students in STEM activities year round while also incorporating art, design and communication in the curriculum and contributing to creative and innovative problem solving. By applying existing engagement model see below , PCP and SMILE provide an engaged pathway for co-creation of STEM curriculum while also incorporating key practices important for education equity and closing the achievement gap between underrepresented and underserved learners and their peers.